Mammootty in a Comic Role

Courtesy: en.wikipedia.org/

Once they became established actors, Malayalam movies for a long time, were termed as either Mammootty's movies or those of Mohanlal's. They, undoubtedly, have had quite a tenure in the Malayalam film industry. "Mohanlal's a versatile and natural actor... Mammootty can't do comedy." are among the zillion comments that I have heard in my growing up phase.

I remember that it was more than a mere oft repeated statement - it was a belief. This mental verdict also discussed that it was Mamootty's sophisticated looks that failed him when it came to comedy. I tell this with conviction because when I watched Pranjiettan and the Saint, I caught myself commenting that Mammooty has improved so much - he's done great comedy.

Was that actually true? Was Mammooty really bad at comedy all along?

In his interview with Johnny Lukos (Manorama News), he mentioned that he was known for mimicry and stuff in college and that this impression about him is a by product of the fact that in most of his earlier films itself he had family, kids, etc. Probably...

For fun sake, I took a peek to check if Pranjiettan was indeed his only comedy that I ever enjoyed. My mental exercise gave me quite a few movies which I thoroughly enjoyed. Since this isn't a research attempt, I did not dig in more than I had to. So, here's discussing a few of Mammootty's comic appearances which I have found hilarious...

1. Film: Nandi Veendum Varika
    Year: 1986
    Director: P.G Vishwambaran   Character: Mohandas (A parallel college lecturer turned Sub Inspector of Police)
I couldn't find how this film fared at the box office, which probably is in itself an evidence to the fact that it didn't do all that well. But, his performance is undoubtedly excellent. I have memories of this movie giving me ample to laugh when I was young. I watched it again recently to recheck. Mammooty's subtle expressions did its magic...

2. Film: Kottayam Kunjachan
    Year: 1990
    Director: T.S Suresh Babu   Character: Title Role (A thug who strives to live a good life)

Kunjachan has made me laugh when I was 13 and he makes me laugh each time I see the movie. His dialogue delivery, mannerisms and even fighting techniques in this movie are hilarious!

3. Film: Rajamanikyam
    Year: 2005
    Director: Anwar Rasheed   Character: Bellary Raja (an illiterate but extremely rich and gaudy business man)

This movie is extremely stereotype and is absolutely predictable. If it grossed a good 27 crore, the main contributing factor would be the witty dialogues and Mammooty's performance. Bellary Raja, in my opinion, would have fit Mohanlal effortlessly. However, I do believe that the profit the movie made owed a lot to the fact that the crowd judged it as an exemplary performance solely because it came from Mamootty.

4. Film: Loudspeaker
    Year: 2009
    Director: Jayaraj   Character: Philippose aka Mike (an extremely loud simpleton with a splendid sense of       humor)

This movie has barely few instances of comedy owing to situations. In my opinion, Philippose aka Mike, is not just the backbone of the movie; he is what makes you smile and chuckle. He makes you want to believe in the simple things life brings your way.

5. Film: Pranjiettan and the Saint
    Year: 2010
    Director: Ranjith
   Character: C.K Francis aka Aripranji (a successful buisness man based in Thrissur)

I'd like to wind up my post with my personal favourite. Out of all the Mammootty starrer comedies that I have seen, the one that I have loved the most so far is Aripranji. I love the way Mammootty has balanced out the dignity of a high class business man and at the same time portraying all those insecurities he has within him. Love the expressions - phenomenal performance!

Neither am I part of anybody's fan club nor am I biased about either Mammootty or Mohanlal. I am of the opinion that both of these superstars have had their share of successes and failures. This post is simply a self reminder that one may never want to judge a book by its cover... 

Ammukutty – A Character Study

Courtesy: www.youtube.com

Malayalam movies from the 80s have always found a special place in my heart. Those were the pictures that I grew up watching. Thanks to Asianet Movies and youtube.com, I get to see many of those movies yet again. Now, as an adult, I see them at a much better level of understanding than in the past. It was the other day that my fingers ceased taunting the remote control when my eyes recognized scenes from one of my old favorites – Aalkoottathil Taniye. 

As a child, my cherished memories of the movie were the song onnanam oonjal (that song was full of swings - I love swings) and Ammukutty - the character portrayed by Seema. Ammukutty was someone whom I had cherished for a very long time. With a smile I realized that she took a cozy corner of my heart owing to the allimalar kannil song sequence and a few scenes which she shared with the little boy named Babu.

As I watched the movie, I wondered why Ammukutty never made it to the tip of anybody's pen terming her as one of the powerful women characters that was portrayed in Malayalam cinema. I hear that the movie, in its time, was not a commercial success. Probably that was the reason. Or, probably it was because she is not the kind you would term as extraordinary. Whatever be the reason, I was truly inspired by Ammukutty. 

Ammukutty, an orphan and an elementary school teacher by profession, is portrayed as a free-spirited character within the social parameters. She is so full of life and absolutely content with what she has. I loved her wit and subtle sense of humor. She is the kind who can effortlessly and instantly make you smile on a day that has gone really bad for you.

While we watch the movie we can sense the unconditional love she has for her maternal cousin Rajan, the character potrayed by Mamootty. At the phase where she has to let go of her dreams of sharing a life with him, I couldn't help but think why Rajan never understood her underlying message. Yes, she vouched for him to embrace the great things that came his way. Yes, she gave in to his father’s viewpoints of why she should let go, offering not one word of defense for herself. The character is designed and played so well that I could clearly understand her thoughts. She had done her share for their life together and she was in no way going to hint or make him do his part. She completely left that to him. Whether it hurt him or not, he messed it up.

I loved the part where she looks Rajan in the eye and says that she had never cursed him and that she would, if she felt that his son wasn't cared for. Her sacrifice was for him to get a good life and if he couldn't do his share to keep it going, it would put her sacrifice to shame.

I could so relate to her when she loses her cool with Rajan's wife Nalini, who tried repaying the money she had spent on Rajan's post-graduation. Values and goodwill when weighed on the monetary scale alone, can act like spark on kerosene.

I'd like to courteously bow down in front of M.T Vasudevan Sir for shaping up Ammukutty's character with so much of thought and care. I'd also like to congratulate Seema for playing the role so well. I loved Ammukutty for her strength, her resolve, her content way of life, her forgiveness and her broad mindedness. Ammukutty is a reminder that you don't have to do huge things to be powerful. Making a difference in one person's life and bridging differences to strengthen relationships; it's all an act of power - of strength. It is the kind of power that usually goes unnoticed and unrecognized. Think about it – Ammukutty can be your mother, your mother-in-law, your sister, your brother, your father, your friend; just about anybody. Recognize that power – that in itself is the greatest form of gratitude that you can give him or her.

Mammootty in 'Best Actor' : A Critical Casting Analysis

Mammootty as Mohan in Best Actor (2010). Image Courtesy: www.nowrunning.com

It was not until recently that I got to see the movie titled Best Actor which has Mammootty in the lead. He portrays the character of Mohan - a schoolteacher passionate about acting and aspiring to make a career in the movies. My intention here is not a movie review. Throughout the movie I had contradicting voices playing in the back of my head. Both voices were fighting over whether or not the lead role deserved Mammootty and/or vice-versa. So, here's taking you through my thoughts. Join me in eavesdropping on the conversation between the voices in my head...

Watching the scene where Mohan requests for a role from director Lal Jose.

Voice 1: Mammootty certainly deserves an applause for taking up this role. He’s doing a good job too...

Voice 2: You are right. Can't deny that. However, I kinda feel detached. Not sure why. I am just not feeling for the character - you know what I mean? I don't seem to be getting into the character's skin.

Voice 1: But the guy's doing such a good job - give him some credit.

Voice 2: I think it's his aura. We see or think Mammootty and we get this big star picture. He's doing it well but it doesn't quite sit well because at the back of our heads we feel… he is such a big star... what's he doing asking for roles?

Voice 1: I think you are being ridiculous. You being biased by any chance? Mohanlal did Udayanaannu Tharam - you didn't have a problem with that, did you?

Voice 2: Oh you are right. Good point! Mohanlal's also a big star and in that he portrayed the role of a person struggling to be a director… Nope never felt the same when I saw Udayanannu Tharam. In fact, I sighed with Udayan, got angry when he did, felt helpless with him and rejoiced at his victory. Then what may be the reason? I am certainly not biased. I love so many movies in which Mammootty was casted.

Voice 1: Relax gal! Let the movie go on. You are just judging too soon. May be you'll feel for Mohan too...

Voice 2: May be…

Watching the scene where Mohan's getting all that ‘gyan’ (knowledge) from Director Ranjith.

Voice 1: Ranjith's too preachy in this scene, ain't he?

Voice 2 (laughing out loud): This man's giving Mammootty gyan? He's casted him in many of his best movies? Imagine a Kaiyoppu, a Paleri Manikyam, Pranjiyettan and the Saint and then this gyan - takes my breath away (guffawing)

Voice 1: Oh c'mon grow up... Ranjith's talking to Mohan not to Mammootty.  You are misjudging.

Voice 2: Misjudging? I think I am being misled. I bet I even caught Ranjith trying hard not to give away a sly smile at the beginning of the scene.

Voice 1 (can't help grinning): Baah! You are nuts - all cracked up.

Watching Mammootty on the scooter in a green kurta.

Voice 1: Oh man - let the whole world debate on how old he is. He definitely has got the looks.

Voice 2: That's it! I think it's his appearance on screen. They should have toned down his complexion a bit. He looks too good looking for the role.

Voice 1 (annoyed): What's it with you today? Buddy, the guy is aspiring to be an actor and is trying very hard so it's justifiable that he keeps himself well. That's how aspiring actors are these days. Are you still in the 70s? Take a flight!

Voice 2 (still rationalising): That's not what I meant. Let me explain. He's a U P school teacher settled in a village. Not earning too much to buy the best sunscreens, does he? They could have given a realistic touch by toning down his complexion a bit. I am not saying he should look worn out - just not so perfect. It's not just the complexion. Look at his clothes. This green kurta looks like a Fabindia product. And my God! What's with that pair of sunglasses? It looks too expensive for a village school teacher, a responsible husband and father - all in one. See what I mean? It's kinda justifiable if he was a spendthrift or a guy with no responsibilities to shoulder.

Voice 1 (pondering for a while and then annoyed that may be the thought struck a chord): Humpf! Take a break woman - watch the movie for the fun of it, will ya?

Voice 2 (sigh): Ok…

Watching the scene where Mohan (Mammootty) meets Director Sreekumar (Sreenivasan) for the first time.

Voice 1: Look at that red jacket. Now that's an answer to your cynicism about his clothes.

Voice 2 giggles

Voice 1: Now what?

Voice 2: I can't help thinking that they portray him in bizarre clothes only in scenes where he goes to meet directors. There's a point in a way but... not really.

Voice 1: Awwww. Look at that scene. It’s taken so well. Touching!

Voice 2 (confused): Yea… no... I mean…

Voice 1: C'mon you can't be such a critic today…

Voice 2: It's executed well no doubt (Voice 1 smiles in
victory). It's just that… oh forget it. Maybe it's just that I've already heard and read that it's a good scene. I don't know... I think I'll watch it further before I decide.

Voice 1 (smiles): That's better!

Watching the scene in which Mohan is at the apartment with a bunch of young film makers.

Voice 1: Look at these guys! They look so thrilled that they get a chance to boss over a superstar for once... (laughs)

Voice 2 gives Voice 1 a 'gotcha' look

Voice 1 (frowning): What?!? It was just a joke. Don't be so picky.

Voice 2 (not taking eyes off the screen): Did I say anything at all?

Voice 1 grimaces and gets back to watching the movie.

Watching the scene where Mohan is being interviewed by a bunch of goons...

Voice 1: Look at him without an ounce of prejudice. Didn't he do it well?

Voice 2 is silent (all comments reserved) and stuck to the TV.

They both laugh at the comedies and are silent spectators to the unexpected twists that occur in Mohan's life.

Watching the scene with Mohan (Mammootty), Director Sreekumar (Sreenivasan) and Sreekumar's assistants. Towards the end of the scene…

Voice 1: Mamootty was amazing, wasn't he?

Voice 2: He's doing a good job. I am not denying that at all. But can you imagine him doing a bad job with this role ever? It is expected. He is a fine tuned actor. In the movie, each time he says that he's lost everything - I don't feel it weighing in me because of his super huge star image. I have great respect for Mammootty.  I can comprehend why he chose to do this one too. But the role just didn't merit him. Let's face it! He's too big for the role. Would you go to a surgeon when you have flu? Why would you want to?

Voice 1 (almost resigning): Ummm... guess you are right. An Indrajith could have done a great job. Or even better, a theatre artist could have done it and we would have swum with him to the depths of the character.

Voice 2: Finally you get it. That's exactly what I have been saying all this while. It has nothing to do with prejudice. I admire the guy's calibre. I don't even blame him for taking up the role. Martin Prakatt (the director) should have thought better – either with the way he built the character or with the casting.

The doorbell rings. My friend comes in and sees the credits rolling.

Friend: Which movie?

Me: Best Actor

Friend: Oh… How's it?

Me: It's... it's ok – good actually. They probably should have casted somebody else for the lead role instead of Mammootty...
Friend: Why? Hasn't he acted well?

Me: No it's not that. He's done a good job. Watch it and you'll know what I'm saying. :)